Suppose I write a computer program. Nothing special, just a single-form VB application that performs a few specific calculations that would otherwise be very tedious…certainly nothing for which I’d go to the trouble of registering a copyright. Now suppose that others have seen me using this program, and have expressed interest in obtaining a copy thereof. I understand that anything of this nature that I might create is considered to be under some kind of de facto copyright, but I have no idea what exactly this entails.
As a side note, please understand that I’m not asking for legal advice. This is all very hypothetical; to date I’ve not created anything that anyone else would have any interest in using professionally. I’m just looking for a general overview of the “rules” for copyright notices, so that if that day ever comes, I have some idea what I can or can’t do. Thanks in advance for any answers.
You do not need to register the copyright to include a copyright notice. In addition, you automatically have a legal copyright, in this case, when you create the work. There is only one “level” of copyright. Registering the copyright might afford some greater proof as to when you created the work in case there is a challenge but does not mean it’s copyrighted any more than if you don’t.
There’s a bunch of links to info on threads about copyrights, including SD columns, in the Unofficial FAQ.
Yes. Copyright attaches with fixation of the work. Registration is not required as scotandrsn’s link shows. A copyright notice simply announes your claim to the rights in the work.
